Arts briefs: Victorian Christmas celebrated at courthouse

The annual Victorian holiday celebration at the Washington County Historic Courthouse will take place Nov. 21-23 at the courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater.

Built in 1870, the courthouse will be decorated in Victorian-era style to welcome visitors and guests. The event features a wide array of arts and crafts, exhibits, lively music and vendors dressed in period garb, as well as a tea room selling light lunch, snacks and beverages.

The celebration is for the entire family and includes photos with Santa each afternoon between 1 and 4 p.m. A holiday exhibit will be open for viewing.

The preview event starts at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21. Champagne, sparkling cider, Lift Bridge beer, appetizers and desserts from local caterers will be served, and live music, exhibits, and holiday decorations will be featured. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For information, call 651-275-7075.

The boutique and tea room will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 22, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 23. Tickets are $3. All proceeds benefit the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund.

Award-winning children's author Catherine Thimmesh will read "Friends: True Stories of Unusual Animal Friendships" at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Lake Elmo Public Library, 3537 Lake Elmo Av.

Her book explores the mystery of unlikely animal friendships. The stories behind these friendships are true, not contrived, captured by photographers ranging from Siberia to Japan, so they not only give readers insight into animals, but challenge preconceived notions about compatibility.

Thimmesh is a Minnesota Book Award finalist and the award-winning author of many books for children, including "Lucy Long Ago," "Team Moon," "Madam President" and "Girls Think of Everything." She will engage children in a hands-on learning experience and will be available to autograph her book.

In addition, prizes will presented to children who have reached different levels in "1000 Books Before Kindergarten" program.

Kinderberry Hill child development centers, including the one at 1205 Woodbury Drive in Woodbury, will hold their fourth annual Halloween Candy Drive during the week of Nov. 3.

The candy drive is part of Kinderberry Hill's mission to encourage healthy habits for young children.

The community is invited to bring extra or unwanted Halloween candy to Kinderberry Hill during business hours (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The candy will be delivered to Operation Minnesota Nice and the Minnesota chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, nonprofit organizations dedicated to sending care packages to U.S. troops deployed around the world.

For more information, visit www.kinderberryhill.com, www.bluestarmothers.org or www.operationminnesotanice.com.